Albert Ayler

As Complete ESP-Disk Recordings suggests, this nicely packaged box set contains Albert Ayler's complete recordings for the ESP-Disk label. The music has all been remastered. The four albums issued under his name are all here. What is not here is anything extra whatsoever. This means that everything is presented here exactly as it was on the original LPs. "Bells" is still 20-minutes long on its own CD. This set is issued by Abraxas-ESP and is licensed, but for those Ayler fans who have been listening to these recordings for years -- what's the point? Sure, they sound good. Better than ever, in fact, but far from audiophile quality. That's it. These records are all available individually and the price point does not offer anything of increased value to the consumer. Anyone interested in Ayler would do well to check out the single discs of Spiritual Unity, Bells, or New York Eye & Ear Control. The high rating is for the music here, not the box. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide